Families and Kids

Tempe’s Top Breakfast Spots

June 25, 2024

Explore favorite restaurants for savoring the most important meal of the day.

Breakfast is an important — yet often overlooked — part of any itinerary while visiting a new place. If you prefer to start your day off immersed in the scene, dining at a local gem and sipping espresso or cocktails (or both), you’re going to love mornings in Tempe.

The most important meal of the day is a way of life in Tempe. And with so many restaurants that specialize in breakfast, we’ve highlighted a dozen of our favorites:

1. Daily Jam
310 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 480-968-9288

This counter service spot, located in Downtown Tempe off of Mill Avenue and 3rd Street, offers a funky-casual atmosphere with indoor and patio seating. There’s also a cocktail bar and espresso bar, depending on how you like to start your day. On to the menu, where omelets and other egg dishes are the clear specialty. Of course, you’ll find all the other breakfast staples here too. 
Must-Try Dish: Red Velvet Waffles

2. Daily Dose
96 S. Rockford Drive, #105, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-590-6937

Located just east of Tempe Marketplace, Daily Dose is a family-owned restaurant that pairs bright and cheery interior with classic breakfast dishes. Pancakes and omelets are a sure thing. A few options, such as the crispy polenta and the breakfast nachos, might surprise you — in the best way.
Must-Try Dish: Chili Verde Huevos Rancheros

3. Crêpe Bar
7520 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-247-8012

This charming crêpe bar started as an innovative food truck that found success, quickly catching the eye of many since 2012. Saying the seasonal menus and fresh ingredients have garnered an enthusiastic fan base is an understatement. Another secret to this concept’s success, in our estimation, is the balance of both sweet and savory selections. A win-win.
Must-Try Dish: Chilaquiles (savory) of Second Time Banana Crepe (sweet)

4. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
615 S. College Ave., #103-#104, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-355-1934

Located just steps from ASU, Snooze is home to a trendy atmosphere and a great variety of breakfast and brunch offerings. From-scratch menu items — such as breakfast tacos, a flight of fluffy pancakes and the breakfast pot pie smothered in rosemary sausage gravy — round out the vast offerings here. Of course, Bloody Marys, mimosas and espresso martinis add to the fun.
Must-Try Dish: Bella! Bella! Benny

5. Over Easy at Novus Place
690 S. Novus Place, #707, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-912-6294

As the newest addition to Tempe’s breakfast landscape, Over Easy brings a retro-meets-modern diner vibe to Novus Place. Aesthetically, the bright space, expansive patio and such décor as the custom neon wall make for a sunny way to start any day. This concept is known for creating energized takes on classic breakfast staples. Think: Golden Waffle Dogs, Chilaquiles and the Monte Cristo — as well as the classic dishes.
Must-Try Dish: Banana Nut French Toast (as seen on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives)

6. Harlow’s Cafe
1021 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-829-9444

Located near ASU, this award-winning spot has been a classic, no-nonsense neighborhood gathering spot since 1980. Its vintage charm and generous portions have earned the establishment new generations of fans. Hearty favorites include chicken fried steak, French toast, burritos, traditional combos and more.
Must-Try Dish: Eggs Maximilian 

7. U.S. Egg
131 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-831-0070
This breakfast and lunch spot is an early bird favorite that’s know for its cozy, welcoming environment. The menu here of a crowd=pleaser, offering just about everything under the breakfast umbrella. The roster of pancakes — banana, strawberry, blueberry, chocolate chip or protein varieties — is nothing short of perfection. Bonus: There are gluten-free and vegan menus available here, too.
Must-Try Dish: Chicken & Waffle

8. Scramble
1120 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-534-4044

Scramble is a fast-casual favorite that offers counter service as well as a dog-friendly patio. Expect the gamut of classic breakfast favorites here, including egg dishes, pancakes, French toast and burritos. We love a breakfast joint that includes everyone: You’ll find vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dog-friendly menu items here.
Must-Try Dish: Brizza (breakfast pizza with a variety of toppings, including hollandaise and scrambled eggs)

9. Morning Squeeze
690 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-264-4688

This bright and cheery restaurant in Downtown Tempe serves up perfect vibes for kicking off your day. The menu here offers an endless array of egg-centric dishes, including steak and eggs, chilaquiles and omelets. But don’t overlook the pancakes, tacos, burrito, green chile pork skillet and the carne asada fries. Bonus: You’ll also find breakfast menu items for dogs, so bring your four-legged friend to join you on the lovely patio.
Must-Try Dish: Biscuits and Gravy
Must-Try Dog Dish: The Chowhound Scramble

10. Slim Thick Café
1730 E. Warner Road, Suite 10, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-729-5303

First in a cloud kitchen and now in a walk-in location, Slim Thick Café is a family-owned business offering healthy dishes, vegan options, Keto-friendly bowls, proteins, decadent menu items, baked goods and gourmet coffees.
Must-Try Dish: The Mexican Mega Burrito

11. Sweet Desert Cafe
715 W. Baseline Road, Suite 2, Tempe, AZ 85283

A true neighborhood gem, Sweet Desert Cafe is located in South Tempe. This family-operated breakfast and lunch spot is known for its “good old-fashioned food.” The pancake and waffle offerings are creative and decadent. Additional selections range from crêpes to breakfast sandwiches. Local favorites include the breakfast croissant, the Monte Cristo crêpe and the Churro Heaven Pancakes.
Must-Try Dish: Churro Heaven Pancakes

12. First Watch
111 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-498-4100

Thanks to the excellent beverage options, the robust selection of breakfast offerings and convenient Downtown Tempe location, First Watch rounds out this list. While not unique to Tempe, this restaurant has become a local staple. The variety of options here starts on the lighter side, with the superfoods bowl and the power wrap, and continues on to such heartier selections as the delightful pancakes and hash plates.
Must-Try Dish: Hawaiian French Toast